
KABOOM! Playground Initial Design Survey
The team at KABOOM! created playground designs after receiving feedback from the surveys as well as meeting with parents, community members, and students on Design Day. We would love your feedback! Please complete this short survey so that we may gather more information about what you like as well as what you would like to change on the initial designs. Please try to submit your feedback by tomorrow, August 12, at 3:00 p.m.
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UMxd_AjxxEen7BCtl_HYZGMyMt8Fe61Bk0xDi-unRppUOFVHT0lKVUs0SUdDQktFNkdMRkhBTzlXWi4u&route=shorturl.
The team at KABOOM! created playground designs after receiving feedback from the surveys as well as meeting with parents, community members, and students on Design Day. We would love your feedback! Please complete this short survey so that we may gather more information about what you like as well as what you would like to change on the initial designs. Please try to submit your feedback by tomorrow, August 12, at 3:00 p.m.
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UMxd_AjxxEen7BCtl_HYZGMyMt8Fe61Bk0xDi-unRppUOFVHT0lKVUs0SUdDQktFNkdMRkhBTzlXWi4u&route=shorturl.

Hello Rebels,
Hi there, and welcome to Season 2, Episode 4 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show (Summer Edition)! We’re super excited to have a chat with the fantastic District Lead Principal, Mr. Christopher Fee. Join us as we get to know more about Mr. Fee, hear his thoughts on the cell phone ban, learn about our new hires this year, and discover how he balances all his responsibilities. You won’t want to miss this fun and insightful episode, so be sure to tune in!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g
Hi there, and welcome to Season 2, Episode 4 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show (Summer Edition)! We’re super excited to have a chat with the fantastic District Lead Principal, Mr. Christopher Fee. Join us as we get to know more about Mr. Fee, hear his thoughts on the cell phone ban, learn about our new hires this year, and discover how he balances all his responsibilities. You won’t want to miss this fun and insightful episode, so be sure to tune in!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g


Hello again!
This is another reminder to please get your son or daughter registered for the fall 2025 sports season. There seem to be a lot of student-athletes who have not registered for the sport that they are playing this fall. We need to get registrations done as soon as possible so that we can determine if we are going to be able to have teams.
Please get this done ASAP!
If you are new to this and are unsure where to go, you can reach out to me at jtompkins@mycrcs.org, or 585-506-7662
Thanks!
Josh Tompkins
This is another reminder to please get your son or daughter registered for the fall 2025 sports season. There seem to be a lot of student-athletes who have not registered for the sport that they are playing this fall. We need to get registrations done as soon as possible so that we can determine if we are going to be able to have teams.
Please get this done ASAP!
If you are new to this and are unsure where to go, you can reach out to me at jtompkins@mycrcs.org, or 585-506-7662
Thanks!
Josh Tompkins

Last week, we welcomed the VP of Field Operations from KABOOM! and project architects who will be working on the new playground at CRE. They spent the day walking the site, taking measurements, and meeting with students, staff, and community members to listen to their hopes and dreams for this new space.
The highlight of the day was the kids’ design session. Students were able to share how they like to play during recess, the games they enjoy most, and what they’d love to see in a new playground. They were given the opportunity to draw their own design ideas and share them with the design team. We are excited to see how their imaginative ideas will help shape the final playground plan!
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success!
The highlight of the day was the kids’ design session. Students were able to share how they like to play during recess, the games they enjoy most, and what they’d love to see in a new playground. They were given the opportunity to draw their own design ideas and share them with the design team. We are excited to see how their imaginative ideas will help shape the final playground plan!
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success!










CRE is happy to partner with the Cuba Circulating Library and the Rushford Free Library to promote a Community Book Read in Fall 2025! We will specifically be encouraging CRE students and their families along with community members to read the same book, Ferris, by Kate DiCamillo.
The Community Book Read will officially start the week of September 8th through the 12th. It will end the week of October 6th through the 10th with a final celebration on Wednesday, October 15th! More details are to come, but we wanted to start with a simple survey to determine who is interested as well as which method you would prefer to read the book with your family. Here is a link to the survey:
https://forms.office.com/r/TbqMyT70kt
One copy will be provided per family from the CRE and Cuba Circulating Library partnership and will be provided to families at the Back-to-School BBQ on Tuesday, September 2, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The Community Book Read will officially start the week of September 8th through the 12th. It will end the week of October 6th through the 10th with a final celebration on Wednesday, October 15th! More details are to come, but we wanted to start with a simple survey to determine who is interested as well as which method you would prefer to read the book with your family. Here is a link to the survey:
https://forms.office.com/r/TbqMyT70kt
One copy will be provided per family from the CRE and Cuba Circulating Library partnership and will be provided to families at the Back-to-School BBQ on Tuesday, September 2, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Hello Rebels!
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show (Summer Edition)! Today, we have an exciting opportunity to speak with Sally Retz, a dedicated 2nd Grade Teacher at CR, and Jeanine Rose, a passionate BOE Member and PTO President. Together, they are leading a fantastic initiative to create a new playground at the CR Elementary School. Discover what has been accomplished, what remains to be done, and how your support can make a difference. Don’t miss out on the chance to contribute to this important project that will benefit our students and enrich our community! Tune in and get involved!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show (Summer Edition)! Today, we have an exciting opportunity to speak with Sally Retz, a dedicated 2nd Grade Teacher at CR, and Jeanine Rose, a passionate BOE Member and PTO President. Together, they are leading a fantastic initiative to create a new playground at the CR Elementary School. Discover what has been accomplished, what remains to be done, and how your support can make a difference. Don’t miss out on the chance to contribute to this important project that will benefit our students and enrich our community! Tune in and get involved!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g


We are thrilled to share that Cuba-Rushford Elementary has been awarded a grant to replace one of our school playgrounds! This incredible opportunity comes through Kaboom!, a national organization dedicated to promoting play for all children, and is generously funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. We are beyond fortunate to have been chosen for this amazing project that will bring new play opportunities to our students and community.
This is truly a community effort, and we need your help to make it successful! There are three important ways you can get involved:
1. Fill out the survey – We want your input as we plan!
2. Sign up to help with Design Day – Join us for the planning sessions on Wednesday, July 30.
3. Volunteer for Build Days – The playground will be built this fall on October 2, 3, and 4! We are estimating that we will need around 100 volunteers each day to work alongside Kaboom! to bring this playground to life. We will be sending out more information about how to volunteer on these days soon.
We are so grateful for the support of our school families, faculty, staff, and community members. This is an amazing opportunity for our children, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being part of something so special!
This is truly a community effort, and we need your help to make it successful! There are three important ways you can get involved:
1. Fill out the survey – We want your input as we plan!
2. Sign up to help with Design Day – Join us for the planning sessions on Wednesday, July 30.
3. Volunteer for Build Days – The playground will be built this fall on October 2, 3, and 4! We are estimating that we will need around 100 volunteers each day to work alongside Kaboom! to bring this playground to life. We will be sending out more information about how to volunteer on these days soon.
We are so grateful for the support of our school families, faculty, staff, and community members. This is an amazing opportunity for our children, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being part of something so special!


Hey everyone — welcome back to Season 2, Episode 2 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show (Summer Edition)! Today, we’re excited to sit down with Carlos Gildemeister, Superintendent of Cuba-Rushford. If you know Mr. G, you know he’s all about learning, growing, and doing what’s best for the Rebel Nation. We talk about the many hats he wears at CR, his take on the new cell phone policy, and what’s happening with the capital project. It’s a great conversation, and we’re glad to have you along for it!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g


Use of Electronics During the School Day
CR understands that this significant change requires the cooperation and support of all families. The District emphasizes the importance of parents discussing the new rule with their children and encouraging them to embrace it as a positive step toward their academic and personal growth.
It is important to note that any student who does not adhere to the "no cell phone/electronics" policy will be in violation of the District's Student Code of Conduct, with consequences applied accordingly based on the nature of the infraction.
Code of Conduct Policy
Electronic devices (phones, watches, etc.) that are not provided by the school are prohibited in the school from the first bell until the last bell. (8:10 AM – 3:00 PM) This includes the BOCES bus. If a student brings a device to school, it must be kept in their locker for the entire day.
1st Violation: The device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The student will be able to pick up their phone at the end of the day.
2nd Violation: The device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The parent or guardian of the child will be notified and will need to pick up the device from the school.
3rd Violation: In addition to the consequences of the 2nd violation, the student will receive two nights of after-school detention.
If a student refuses to hand in the device, then the student will be deemed insubordinate. This may result in a suspension.
**Cuba- Rushford School District reserves the right to additional consequences based upon the severity of the issue.
CRCS will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
CR understands that this significant change requires the cooperation and support of all families. The District emphasizes the importance of parents discussing the new rule with their children and encouraging them to embrace it as a positive step toward their academic and personal growth.
It is important to note that any student who does not adhere to the "no cell phone/electronics" policy will be in violation of the District's Student Code of Conduct, with consequences applied accordingly based on the nature of the infraction.
Code of Conduct Policy
Electronic devices (phones, watches, etc.) that are not provided by the school are prohibited in the school from the first bell until the last bell. (8:10 AM – 3:00 PM) This includes the BOCES bus. If a student brings a device to school, it must be kept in their locker for the entire day.
1st Violation: The device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The student will be able to pick up their phone at the end of the day.
2nd Violation: The device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The parent or guardian of the child will be notified and will need to pick up the device from the school.
3rd Violation: In addition to the consequences of the 2nd violation, the student will receive two nights of after-school detention.
If a student refuses to hand in the device, then the student will be deemed insubordinate. This may result in a suspension.
**Cuba- Rushford School District reserves the right to additional consequences based upon the severity of the issue.
CRCS will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Hello, and welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show (SUMMER EDITION)! We’re excited to have Ryan Talbot from the SHOUT! The Buffalo Bills Podcast as our guest today. Ryan is not just a passionate podcaster but also a dedicated teacher in Olean and a loving family man. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about his inspiring journey, hear his insightful opinions on the Buffalo Bills, and enjoy a wealth of entertaining stories. Plus, I’ll be asking for his take on my team, the Steelers, as we gear up for the fall season. Make sure to tune in—it’s going to be a fantastic episode!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g


CRCS Cell Phone Policy 2025-2026
Dear Cuba-Rushford Families,
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Throughout the spring, the Cuba Rushford School District has been reviewing our Code of Conduct. As part of this process, we have updated our policy regarding cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and smart devices such as smartwatches. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to District Principal Chris Fee at cfee@mycrcs.org.
We want to inform you that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new statewide policy known as the "Bell-to-Bell" Cellphone Ban, which is part of the Distraction-Free School Law, which will take effect in the 2025–2026 school year. This legislation prohibits the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices throughout the entire school day across all public schools in New York State. The district will change the current cell phone policy to match NYS law.
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, students will no longer be allowed to have cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and other smart devices with them during the school day. If students choose to bring any of these items to school, they must be turned off and stored in lockers before the 8:10 bell and must remain in lockers until dismissal at 3:00 PM.
In the meantime, we encourage you to begin discussions with your children about this upcoming change. Please inform them that cellphone access during the school day will soon be restricted, and help them prepare for a more focused, less tech-dependent school experience.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we navigate this important transition together.
Respectfully,
Carlos Gildemeister
Superintendent
1. What about emergencies?
Building safety and security is the foundation of this plan. If your child experiences an immediate emergency, we have network phones in every classroom and a landline in the district office. In the event of any safety emergency or building crisis, the school has a safety plan to connect with our families and the community. Security and emergency officials have also underlined the importance of following existing safety protocols that include keeping phone lines open and accessible.
2. What about my child’s mental health?
We understand the severe impact that the pandemic has had on our students and families. Cuba Rushford School District has a dedicated staff, including our teachers, social emotional team, nurses, and staff who are trained to assist with any student needs. We do our very best to offer our students numerous opportunities to help cope with any problems they have throughout each day.
3. Why can’t they use them during lunch and study hall?
Using phones during these less strenuous times typically correlates with increased issues. Taking or receiving unwanted pictures and videos, along with increased cyberbullying, occurs more frequently during these times of the day. Students also could not return phones to their lockers after these times, leading to additional issues throughout the day.
4. What about other daily updates?
Updates such as sport cancellations can be accessed on our school website, ParentSquare, and Facebook. Any major issues will also be communicated through all calls by the district. If a student has an emergency and needs to call home, they are able to go to the main office and use the phone there.
Dear Cuba-Rushford Families,
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Throughout the spring, the Cuba Rushford School District has been reviewing our Code of Conduct. As part of this process, we have updated our policy regarding cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and smart devices such as smartwatches. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to District Principal Chris Fee at cfee@mycrcs.org.
We want to inform you that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new statewide policy known as the "Bell-to-Bell" Cellphone Ban, which is part of the Distraction-Free School Law, which will take effect in the 2025–2026 school year. This legislation prohibits the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices throughout the entire school day across all public schools in New York State. The district will change the current cell phone policy to match NYS law.
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, students will no longer be allowed to have cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and other smart devices with them during the school day. If students choose to bring any of these items to school, they must be turned off and stored in lockers before the 8:10 bell and must remain in lockers until dismissal at 3:00 PM.
In the meantime, we encourage you to begin discussions with your children about this upcoming change. Please inform them that cellphone access during the school day will soon be restricted, and help them prepare for a more focused, less tech-dependent school experience.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we navigate this important transition together.
Respectfully,
Carlos Gildemeister
Superintendent
1. What about emergencies?
Building safety and security is the foundation of this plan. If your child experiences an immediate emergency, we have network phones in every classroom and a landline in the district office. In the event of any safety emergency or building crisis, the school has a safety plan to connect with our families and the community. Security and emergency officials have also underlined the importance of following existing safety protocols that include keeping phone lines open and accessible.
2. What about my child’s mental health?
We understand the severe impact that the pandemic has had on our students and families. Cuba Rushford School District has a dedicated staff, including our teachers, social emotional team, nurses, and staff who are trained to assist with any student needs. We do our very best to offer our students numerous opportunities to help cope with any problems they have throughout each day.
3. Why can’t they use them during lunch and study hall?
Using phones during these less strenuous times typically correlates with increased issues. Taking or receiving unwanted pictures and videos, along with increased cyberbullying, occurs more frequently during these times of the day. Students also could not return phones to their lockers after these times, leading to additional issues throughout the day.
4. What about other daily updates?
Updates such as sport cancellations can be accessed on our school website, ParentSquare, and Facebook. Any major issues will also be communicated through all calls by the district. If a student has an emergency and needs to call home, they are able to go to the main office and use the phone there.

July 2025
Dear Cuba-Rushford Families,
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Throughout the spring, the Cuba Rushford School District has been reviewing our Code of Conduct. As part of this process, we have updated our policy regarding cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and smart devices such as smartwatches. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to District Principal Chris Fee at cfee@mycrcs.org
We want to inform you that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new statewide policy known as the "Bell-to-Bell" Cellphone Ban which is part of Distraction-Free School Law, which will take effect in the 2025–2026 school year. This legislation prohibits the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices throughout the entire school day across all public schools in New York State. The district will change current cell phone policy to match NYS law.
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, students will no longer be allowed to have cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and other smart devices with them during the school day. If students choose to bring any of these items to school, they must be turned off and stored in lockers before the 8:10 bell and must remain in lockers until dismissal at 3:00 PM.
In the meantime, we encourage you to begin discussions with your children about this upcoming change. Please inform them that cellphone access during the school day will soon be restricted, and help them prepare for a more focused, less tech-dependent school experience.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we navigate this important transition together.
Respectfully,
Carlos Gildemeister
Superintendent
Dear Cuba-Rushford Families,
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Throughout the spring, the Cuba Rushford School District has been reviewing our Code of Conduct. As part of this process, we have updated our policy regarding cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and smart devices such as smartwatches. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to District Principal Chris Fee at cfee@mycrcs.org
We want to inform you that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new statewide policy known as the "Bell-to-Bell" Cellphone Ban which is part of Distraction-Free School Law, which will take effect in the 2025–2026 school year. This legislation prohibits the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices throughout the entire school day across all public schools in New York State. The district will change current cell phone policy to match NYS law.
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, students will no longer be allowed to have cell phones, headphones/earbuds, and other smart devices with them during the school day. If students choose to bring any of these items to school, they must be turned off and stored in lockers before the 8:10 bell and must remain in lockers until dismissal at 3:00 PM.
In the meantime, we encourage you to begin discussions with your children about this upcoming change. Please inform them that cellphone access during the school day will soon be restricted, and help them prepare for a more focused, less tech-dependent school experience.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we navigate this important transition together.
Respectfully,
Carlos Gildemeister
Superintendent

2025 Graduation Events


Hello Rebels,
In Season 1, Episode 35 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show, we're excited to present our much-anticipated year-in-review episode! It's astonishing that we've reached 35 episodes, filled with unforgettable moments and remarkable guests who have enriched our understanding of the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us as we reflect on an incredible year, share thrilling insights about what's coming this summer, and unveil our walk-out songs. Let’s celebrate together one last time this school year as we take a heartfelt stroll down podcast memory lane!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g


Some of our future graduates soaked up the sun and made lasting memories on their senior trip to Myrtle Beach! From dining at the Hard Rock Café to exploring the wonders of the aquarium and strolling the boardwalk, fun was had every step of the way. Here's to celebrating the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next! 🎓💙






The Cuba Rushford School District is deeply saddened by the death of our 9th grade student, Sophia Jackson.
Anytime we face the death of a young member of our community, it impacts our entire school district. Counselors will be available in our MSHS library throughout the day tomorrow for students and staff in need of support.
If you have any concerns regarding your child, please call the guidance office at 585-968-2650 Ext. 4430.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sophia and her family.


Hello Rebels!
In Season 1, Episode 34 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show, we are excited to welcome Mrs. Jeanine Rose! As a dedicated Cuba-Rushford Board Member and the enthusiastic PTO President, she has a wealth of knowledge to share. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the incredible programs supported by the CR PTO and learn about the innovative concept of an “unfundraiser.” Join us to uncover how you can get involved with upcoming events, explore volunteer opportunities, and make a real difference in our community!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g


Hello Rebels!
In Season 1, Episode 33 of The Maggie and Mr. Cap Show, we are thrilled to feature the remarkable Sally Kus! As a world traveler, Hall of Fame Member, coach, teacher, and the newest member of the CR Board of Education, Sally brings a wealth of experience and insight to our podcast. Tune in to discover her incredible journey, learn about her current endeavors, and get inspired by her exciting future plans. Join us for an engaging conversation with the extraordinary Coach Kus!
https://wakelet.com/wake/k2QLwt4WX_oBQjZXsHi7g


We're proud to recognize Mrs. Amanda McCumiskey, who is one of our amazing teachers at Cuba-Rushford Elementary School. She specifically received a citation of recognition for Teacher Appreciation Week from Assemblyman Joseph M. Sempolinski. Mrs. McCumiskey is a Math Interventionist at CRE who works hard to meet the needs of her students daily! Congrats, Mrs. McCumiskey!
